Hundreds of football fans held a minute’s applause in front of millions of TV viewers in honour of a dedicated Silkmen supporter who is critically ill.

A roar went up in the stands at the Moss Rose in the 20th minute of Macclesfield Town’s second round FA Cup tie against Oxford United in honour of Kavan Maddocks, 20, who is in a critical condition in hospital after falling from the roof of a multi-storey car park.

It comes as Kavan responded to his family for the first time since the accident, giving his grandad Ernie Peacock the ‘thumbs up’ and squeezing his hand the day after the match.

Kavan Maddocks, 20, (far right) with friends in 2014

Kavan’s mum Janthea said he has also undergone seven hours of surgery on his back and is expected to soon be moved to the neurology ward.

She said: “It’s so far so good. He gave my dad the thumbs up. My dad was the only one who was with him on Saturday, Kavan grabbed his hands and squeezed it, and he was fluttering his eyelashes at the nurses!”

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The applause during the televised Macc Town game was organised by Tom Webb, who has grown up watching games with Kavan.

Tom, 23, said: “It was a very special moment. We started cheering at the London Road stand and it spread across the stadium.

It was a really exciting night for the club with the game being on TV and the commentators mentioned it. Kavan loves the club and we wanted to show him we support him.”

Kavan’s dad Frank, who watched the game from home, said: “There was terrific support for Kavan. I would like to thank Kavan’s friends for starting the ball rolling with the 20th minute hand clapping and Macclesfield Town FC for getting involved. Well played Macclesfield both on and off the pitch. It will have touched Kavan knowing you all care.”